Partnering to Build Community

“Go out to see which is the right way to follow.”
Pirke Avot 213.
Rabbi Yochanen

In this light, Temple Israel strives to be a good neighbor to a wide spectrum of religious and social institutions serving Tidewater.

Synagogues

South Side Conservative Synagogues – Temple Israel provides office space and shares the stewardship of the consortium Hebrew school at which the children of Conservative congregations of Norfolk. This program, begun more than 30 years ago, joins us with Congregation Beth El, and KBH, The Kempsville Conservative Synagogue.

The Conservative shuls also join ranks for Slichot services, rotating in sponsorship of the annual program that begins the Days of Awe. And for the past several years we have also shared a midsummer oceanfront service and dinner.

KBH – Since 1999, we have scheduled joint services for some Shabbatot and holidays with KBH. We make visits together to Beth Sholom Home to conduct Friday evening services several times a year.

Rabbi Panitz offers a series of evening lectures at KBH each year. This year’s topic is “American Jews in Times of War.” Sessions will be Feb 12–Civil War; Feb 19–World War II; Feb 26—Vietnam War.

Ohef Sholom – We have shared an annual pulpit exchange annually with Ohef Sholom since 2006.

Levy Chapel – Joint services on Second Day Rosh Hashanah are held with clergy and congregants of the Naval Base’s
Uriah Levy Chapel. Military personnel are always warmly welcomed to our services. We try to arrange home hospitality for away-from home service people during important holidays, as well as offering discounted membership rates for enlisted personnel.

Churches and Mosques

Second Presbyterian Church is our partner for a variety of social welfare projects, working together to house the homeless, and to host benefit concerts to benefit good causes. In addition we have a combined blood drive twice annually.

Iglesia Pentacostal Church of Norfolk and the Calvary Revival Church combine their voices with ours for an Evening of Praise annually.

As part of The Faith Inclusion Network, we share efforts to make religious observances easier for those with physical handicaps. In March we will be hosting their conference and sharing a speaker.

Jewish Agencies

We work in many capacities with the Jewish Family Service, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, The Jewish Community Center, Beth Sholom Home and Hebrew Academy, throughout the year. Shared efforts include education, leadership training, celebrations, worship and good works.